What are medical and dental expenses?

For the purposes of your taxes and calculating your itemized deductions, “medical and dental expenses” includes all of the costs associated with medical and dental care which is primarily directed toward preventing or alleviating illness. It does not include costs associated with things that are merely beneficial to your general health, such as vitamins or nutritional supplements.

More specifically, you may claim deductions for the costs connected with diagnosing, mitigating, curing, treating or preventing any disease or ailment, as well as the costs connected to treating any injury is issue with some body part or bodily function. The costs of any supplies or equipment necessary for these purposes are also entitled to be deducted, as are any health insurance premiums you pay.